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Specimen Collection and Handling
Safety
Universal precautions must be observed when collecting blood specimens. It is recommended that all
blood specimens be handled as potentially infectious specimens capable of transmitting human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), or other bloodborne pathogens. Proper
blood collection technique must be followed in order to minimize risk to the laboratory staff. Gloves
should always be worn when handling blood and other body fluids.
Please refer to NCCLS document, M29-T2, Protection of Laboratory Workers from Infectious
Disease Transmitted by Blood, Body Fluids, and Tissue - Second Edition; Tentative Guideline for
further information on safe handling of these specimens.
Sample Requirements
Refer to NCCLS document, H11-A2, Percutaneous Collection of Arterial Blood for Laboratory
Analysis - Second Edition; Approved Standard, May 1992, for detailed information on sample
collection, storage and handling.
Blood sampling for analysis must be performed under proper supervision with details of collection,
including sampling devices, site selection, sample handling and documentation approved by the
personnel responsible. Specific procedures used should follow NCCLS guidelines.
Anticoagulants and Sample Collection Devices
The AVL 9180 Electrolyte Analyzer will accept samples directly from syringes, collection tubes,
samples cups and, with the use of an adapter, from capillary tubes or the AVL Microsampler.
For whole blood and plasma samples, a balanced heparin that does not affect the electrolyte values is
the recommended anticoagulant of choice. Sodium heparin is also an acceptable anticoagulant for
electrolyte analysis, however, heparin binds ionized calcium to a certain extent falsely decreasing the
measurement values.
Other anticoagulants such as EDTA, citrate, oxalate and fluoride have a significant effect on blood
electrolytes and should not be used.
For serum samples, containers without additives are recommended.
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